Cyprus Travelers Recommend

With beaches, ancient ruins, secluded monasteries, and wild mountain landscapes within easy reach, it can be hard to know where to spend your time in Paphos. But in three days you can cover a lot of ground with coastal cruises, tours of historical sites, and trips to Cyprus’ Troodos Mountains and Akamas Peninsula. Here’s how to do it.

Day 1: Beaches and Bays

The scenic coastline of west Cyprus is among Paphos’ biggest draws and is deserving of a full day’s exploration. You could head to the easy-to-reach beaches of Pachyammos, Vrisoudia, or Paphos Municipal Beach to soak up the Mediterranean rays for the day. But if you’re willing to venture a little farther afield with a half-day cruise, you’ll find even more spectacular stretches of sand such as Coral Bay, a crescent-shaped sweep of golden sand. For a more active experience, join a snorkeling or scuba diving tour that will allow you to take the plunge and observe firsthand the marine life beneath the Mediterranean’s surface.

That evening, hop in the driving seat of an all-terrain vehicle and venture out to Aphrodite’s Rock, the legendary birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty. For a romantic experience, pack a picnic to enjoy at the site. 

Day 2: Escape into Nature

Leave Pathos behind for a half-day or full-day tour out to the Akamas Peninsula on Cyprus’ northwestern tip. Forested hiking trails, beautiful beaches with loggerhead turtles, and the crystal-clear Blue Lagoon make it an attractive day-trip option for travelers based in Paphos. Road access is limited, so if you do want to explore, consider embarking on an ATV tour along the peninsula’s dirt tracks, or—for a more comfortable alternative—a guided cruise. You can also rent a boat and steer your own adventure. 

Other popular day-trip options include guided tours to Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus, where you can cross the Green Line of divided Nicosia (the border between the Greek and Turkish halves of the city) and visit monasteries, abbeys, and castles in the Kyrenia Mountains. Upon return, head inland to the Ktima Paphos neighborhood for dinner in one of the atmospheric tavernas of the Turkish Quarter. 

Day 3: Peer into the Past

Paphos is littered with historical gems, from medieval baths to centuries-old churches—though the city’s standout historical attraction is Kato Paphos Archaeological Park. Take a guided tour around this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage–listed site, viewing Roman villas with well-preserved ancient mosaics, and the Tombs of the Kings necropolis. If you’d prefer to explore independently, use a hop-on hop-off tour bus to travel efficiently between key historic sites, such as the Odeon amphitheater of Fabrica Hill and St. Paul’s Pillar, where St. Paul was said to have been whipped for spreading the word of Christianity. 

Alternatively, take a day tour to the nearby Troodos Mountains. Here, scattered among the valleys are frescoed Byzantine monasteries and churches, quaint villages, and picturesque vineyards.

Back in Paphos, toast the end of your trip on a dinner cruise around the harbor that includes onboard entertainment and a fireworks display. 

The Mediterranean flows past perfect beaches and ancient history on Cyprus, making the island a fascinating destination for both sun worshippers and history buffs. With one week in Cyprus you can sample a little bit of everything, from rocky headlands to mountains, forests, and walled cities. Here’s how to plan a week in Cyprus.

Days 1 to 3: Larnaca, Nicosia, and the North

Ease into vacation mode by spending the first day where you’re likely to step off the plane—in the laid-back beach resort of Larnaca. It’s a great place to unwind with a glass of Cypriot wine, which is often produced in nearby Troodos Mountain villages; wine tours are a good way to get a curated introduction to local vineyards.

Next, head to the divided capital city of Nicosia, where a UN-controlled buffer zone splits the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish-speaking north of the island. Spend the day exploring the city’s Venetian walls and landmarks, making sure to pack your passport if you’re joining a tour that explores the city on both sides of the buffer zone, or Green Line.

This is also the best jumping-off point for visiting the north, whose ancient Roman ruins, monasteries, and mountain-top castles were cut off from much of the world for decades. Since bringing a rental car into the north can bring extra fees and liabilities, it’s worth choosing a tour that includes round-trip transport from south of the Green Line.

Day 4: Limassol

With an energetic party scene and atmospheric historic center, Limassol is a great stop for another day—and night—immersed in Cyprus’ resort culture. Get some beach time in here, but don’t miss the Kourion archaeological site, where you’ll find a Greco-Roman theater, a sanctuary devoted to Apollo, and intricate murals depicting scenes from ancient life.

Day 6 and 7: Paphos and Around

According to legend, this is where the goddess Aphrodite first made landfall, and a look at Paphos’ blue water and rocky capes makes it easy to see why she’d choose it. Lounge on the shore and make time for some history, too—the whole of Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose the milder morning or evening hours to check out the Paphos Archaeological Park’s mosaics, tombs, and ruins.

If you can tear yourself away from the beach, Paphos has easy access to both the Troodos Mountains and the Akamas Peninsula, two of Cyprus’ most beautiful natural areas. Head to Akamas by jeep, boat, or tour vehicle to see coastal mountains that drop steeply to the sea, as well as the blue pool where Aphrodite is believed to have bathed. For blissfully cool air and mountain scenery, the beautiful Troodos have narrow valleys and pine forests, as well as Byzantine churches, family-owned vineyards, and historic monasteries.

The pretty harbor town of Paphos, on Cyprus’ southwest coast, promises sun, sea, sand, and spectacular ancient remains in the form of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Kato Paphos Archaeological Site. With just 24 hours to explore, you can get a taste of all Paphos has to offer with the following action-packed itinerary. 

Morning: Ancient History

Devote the morning to exploring Paphos’ rich history. Get in ahead of the crowds with a guided morning tour of Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO-recognized site famous for its Roman ruins and colorful ancient mosaics depicting Greek myths. For a self-paced tour, take a seat aboard a hop-on hop-off bus and listen to commentary as you cruise by historical attractions including the Tombs of the Kings, an underground Roman burial site, and St. Paul’s Pillar, where St. Paul was supposedly tied and flogged as punishment for preaching Christianity. 

Afternoon: Watery Adventures

As temperatures pick up, cool off with some water-based fun. Don a swimsuit and choose between a range of water-related activities, ranging from the gentle to the high-adrenaline. Rent a boat and steer yourself out to the sheltered Blue Lagoon, try your hand at snorkeling or scuba diving under the instruction of an expert, or ride an all-terrain vehicle to out-of-town swimming spots such as Aphrodite’s Rock (the supposed birthplace of the Greek goddess of beauty) and Geroskipou Beach. Families traveling with young children may opt to visit Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark, where slides, chutes, wave pools, and a lazy river entertain the littles for hours.

Night: An Explosive Evening

End your day on a high note with an intimate dinner cruise along the scenic southwest coast of Cyprus. Set sail from the harbor in early evening, enjoying cocktails from the onboard bar, a buffet dinner, and stunning sunset views. Cruises include live entertainment from singers and dancers, as well as front-row views of a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the skies above the harbor with an kaleidoscope of color—an unforgettable way to end a day in Paphos.

Paphos is a best-of-both-worlds escape, with ample ops for relaxation and discovery along Cyprus’ southwest coast. Here’s how to fill two days exploring sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches and bays, world-class archaeological sites, and the rugged and undeveloped Akamas Peninsula, which juts out into the sea 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of town.

Day 1: Historical Highlights and Water-Based Activities

**Morning:**Start the day with some water-based fun. Join a snorkeling or scuba diving tour, or set sail on a half-day cruise during which you can swim, snorkel, canoe, and tuck into a barbecue lunch. Families traveling with children will enjoy the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark, or a pirate-themed cruise with onboard games and face-painting.

**Afternoon:**Delve into local history with a a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, where you can see Roman remains, ancient mosaics, and the ruins of the medieval-era Saranta Kolones Castle. For self-directed sightseeing, opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour instead.

**Night:**Come evening, head back out on the water with a cruise around the harbor. Sip drinks from the onboard bar and dine on a buffet dinner while admiring the sunset, and live music and dance performances. During the return journey, watch as a fireworks display lights up the sky above the sea. 

Day 2: Akamas and Aphrodite’s Rock

**Morning:**Get out among nature in the wild and unspoiled Akamas Peninsula. Much of the promontory is not accessible by paved road, but you can explore it as part of a guided all-terrain vehicle tour or on a boat cruise along the coastline.

**Afternoon:**Embark on a self-drive ATV tour along the coastline south of Paphos to reach Aphrodite’s Rock, a beautiful, oft-photographed place. According to local legend, this sea stack marks the spot where the Greek goddess of love and beauty first emerged from the foamy Mediterranean waters.

**Night:**For dinner, venture inland and away from the more tourist-oriented harbor area to Ktima Paphos, the old town. The Turkish Quarter is filled with low-key cafés and traditional tavernas serving mouthwatering meze dishes; some establishments also offer views over the coast.

With three days in Larnaca, you have time to get a feel for the city—from its historic sites to its sandy beaches—and take a day trip into the surrounding regions for a look at more traditional Cyprus. Here’s how.

Day 1: Highlights of the Historic Old Town

Devote your first day in Larnaca to getting to know the old part of the city and taking in its many attractions. Highlights include the Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca Castle, Kition Archeological Site, Larnaca Salt Lake, and Hala Sultan Tekke mosque. Join a walking tour with a local guide to learn about area offerings and history. If you like wine, sign up for a wine tasting session at the family-run Oak Tree Wine Cellar, where all sorts of Cypriot wines are available to sample. For dinner, try a food walking tour, an easy way for first-timers to learn more about local cuisine.

Day 2: Seaside Fun

On your second day, take advantage of the city’s coastal position. Start with Finikoudes Beach, the most popular beach in town, located right along the coast of the old city. Hop between the cafes and beach and try your hand at watersports such as kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. If you’re on your honeymoon or simply want memorable vacation photos, hire a local photographer for a mini photo shoot, at the beach or in historic old town. If you’d rather spend the day at sea, prebook a full-day trip out to sea for snorkeling or fishing; these trips often come with plenty of included extras, such as barbecue lunches. If you want to get out on the water for just a few hours, charter a sunset cruise for you and your party.

Day 3: A Day in Rural Cyprus

On your last day, head inland to immerse yourself in local Cypriot culture. The most economical way to do this is by joining a tour—especially if you plan to imbibe as Cyprus’s winding mountain roads and wine do not mix. Pick a tour that matches your interests; choices range from wine tours that take you straight to mountain vineyards to cultural and scenic tours that focus on inland monasteries and natural sites. To take your love of Cypriot cuisine to the next level, book a food tour that might involve a stop in a local village to sample specialty dishes, a trip to a traditional market to shop for ingredients, and the opportunity to cook (and eat) a meal yourself.

Inhabited since Neolithic times, Cyprus was captured by Alexander the Great, featured in the Trojan War, and hosted civilizations from the Mycenaeans to the Assyrians. That wealth of history is evident in the country’s abundance of ruins and ancient landmarks. From Paphos to Salamis, here are five of Cyprus’ top archaeological sites.

Paphos

Cyprus’ ancient capital for more than a millennium, Paphos today features a huge array of world-class ruins—so much so that the city is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venture to the Paphos Archaeological Site to see strikingly preserved mosaics in the House of Dionysos, visit the subterranean Tombs of the Kings (the city’s ancient necropolis), and head to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, founded in the 12th century BC.

Kourion

Located west of Limassol along Cyprus’ coast and part of the Paphos UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kourion is one of the country’s top archaeological landmarks. Once an ancient city-state, the site today consists of a strikingly well-preserved amphitheater, ancient tombs, the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, bathhouses, and numerous other monuments.

Salamis

Just a few miles from Famagusta, Salamis was founded by the Greeks in the 11th century BC and is one of Cyprus’ most significant ancient cities. Today, the sprawling archaeological site includes baths, an amphitheater, a gymnasium, several ancient basilicas, and a range of other remains.

Choirokoitia

Discover what life was like in the seventh century BC when you venture to the Neolithic-era settlement of Choirokoitia, the earliest permanent human settlement found on Cyprus. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Choirokoitia is known for its complex architectural system and cylindrical dwellings, five of which have been recreated for the benefit of modern visitors.

Amathus

Associated with the legend of Theseus and Ariadne, Amathus was another prominent, ancient city-state on Cyprus. Today, the archaeological site includes an agora, public baths, colossal stone vessels, and more. The site was also linked with the worship of Aphrodite, and a temple dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty stands at the site.

If you’ve only got one day in Larnaca, don’t fret. The city is compact, and you have enough time to walk around the Old Town, taste local Cypriot food and wine, and take a sunset cruise. Here’s how to make the most of one day in Larnaca.

Morning: Explore the Old Town

Spend your morning familiarizing yourself with the lay of the land in the historic old city of Larnaca. Top sights include the Church of Saint Lazarus and the Larnaca Castle, while the mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke is just a short drive away, on Larnaca Salt Lake. Also worth a visit is Finikoudes Beach, a sandy stretch lined with cafes. The area is compact and best explored on foot. If it’s your first time in Larnaca, consider taking a guided walking tour—that way you get insight into area history and culture from your guide and avoid getting lost.

Afternoon: Taste Cypriot Wine

In the afternoon, choose to continue exploring the area on your own or to do a little shopping. While travelers with a bit more time can take full-day wine tours to the surrounding regions, those with less time can try out a selection of the region's finest at Oak Tree Wine Cellar. Just make sure to book your tasting well in advance to secure a spot. Some tours also offer packages that include transfers from your hotel.

Night: Sunset at Sea (or at the Beach)

Larnaca's seaside position has aided its development over the years, and there's no shortage of opportunities to get out on the water. For something special, wrap your day up with a sunset cruise out into the Mediterranean Sea; you can even charter an entire boat for you and your friends. If you’d rather stay on solid ground, head back to Finikoudes Beach for dinner and drinks at a coastal cafe or restaurant.

With two days in the historic port city of Larnaca, it's possible to see the city’s cultural highlights, spend time on the water, and try out all sorts of local food and wine. Here’s one way to plan your time.

Day 1: Old Town History, Food, and Wine

**Morning:**Spend your first day exploring the historic old town of Larnaca, stopping at highlights such as the Church of Saint Lazarus and Larnaca Castle. The area is easy to navigate on foot, but traveling with a guide allows you to quickly learn area history and avoid getting lost.

**Afternoon:**Next, grab lunch and devote some time to learning about (and tasting) Cypriot wine with a visit to the Oak Tree Wine Cellar & Tasting Room. As part of the experience, you try 10 different types of local wine. Just make sure to book in advance to secure your spot.

**Night:**Finish your day exploring the old town's culinary scene. While there are many great restaurants to try out Cyrpiot flavors (order a mezza to try lots of little bites), a walking food tour allows you to try all sorts of dishes and learn about local culture in an immersive way.

Day 2: Scenic Larnaca

**Morning:**On your second morning in Cyprus, take advantage of watersports activities on offer while the waters are still calm. Take a lesson in stand-up paddleboarding or kitesurfing for a solid beginner-friendly experience.

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, choose between staying at the beach or heading back into the Old Town for lunch and shopping. For something unusual and memorable, book a vacation photo shoot session, in which a private photographer takes professional photos of you and your crew against the city's prettiest backgrounds.

**Night:**Wrap up your trip to Cyprus with a sunset cruise out into the Mediterranean. It's possible to charter a yacht for you and your friends if you book in advance. If you’d rather stay on land, head to the cafes and restaurants at Finikoudes Beach for great views over the water.

Home to millennia-old ruins and landmarks—and itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the coastal city of Paphos feels only slightly removed from the ancient world. From temples devoted to Aphrodite and ancient tombs to mosaic-strewn villas, here are some of Paphos’ key historical sights.

Paphos Archaeological Park

The crown jewel among Paphos’ historical destinations, the sprawling Paphos Archaeological Park—also known as Nea Paphos—stands on the site of the ancient city of Paphos, founded in the fourth century BC. Be sure to seek out the park’s Roman villas (the House of Dionysos, House of Aion, House of Theseus, and House of Orpheus), which are home to some of the ancient world’s most exceptional mosaics.

Tombs of the Kings

Also part of the Paphos Archaeological Park, the Tombs of the Kings are an extensive series of monumental, subterranean burial sites. The excavated landmarks are renowned for their scale, and were designed to imitate the houses of the living. Despite the name, no kings were buried here—instead, the necropolis served as the final resting place for members of the local aristocracy and important officials.

Sanctuary of Aphrodite

Paphos was famously home to the cult of Aphrodite, and the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Aphrodite was created as a place of worship in the 12th century BC. The hilltop site offers enviable seaside views. In addition to its ruins, there is also an on-site museum full of ancient artifacts. Round out your trip with a jaunt to Aphrodite Rock, where, according to legend, the goddess of love was born.

Agios Neophytos

Roughly a 20-minute drive from Paphos proper, Agios Neophytos traces its origins to the 12th century AD, when a reclusive monk first carved a dwelling space into the mountains. Today, the monastery is particularly renowned for its Byzantine frescoes.

Paphos Castle

First built as a Byzantine fort, Paphos Castle was later dismantled and rebuilt by the Venetians and the Ottomans. Poised right on the harbor, the castle’s heavy, block-like architecture hints at its defensive past and lends it an appealing grandiosity.

With a history of wine production dating back over four millennia and more than 50 wineries dotted around the island, wine lovers will find plenty of opportunities to expand their palates in Cyprus. Here’s what you need to know about Cypriot wine and how to sample it during a tour.

Must-Try Varietals

Once dominated by just a handful or so of large producers, Cyprus is now home to an increasing number of small-scale winemakers. Winemaking mostly happens across five designated appellations: Vouni Panayias, Laona Akamas, the Wine Villages of Lemesos, Commandaria, and Pitsilia. While international varieties, including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet, Syrah, and merlot, are widely planted and do well in Cyprus’ Mediterranean climate, Cypriot winemakers have been increasingly turning their attention to indigenous grape varieties. More and more producers are experimenting with native reds such as Maratheftiko and Lefkada. Xynisteri, an indigenous white grape, is paired with the red mavro grape to produce Commandaria, a rich and characterful dessert wine that the Guiness Book of World Records lists as the oldest named wine in the world.xa0

Must-Do Experiences

• Follow the Commandaria Wine Route, stopping to sample the amber-hued dessert wine—Cyprus’ most famous wine export.

• Explore the diverse styles of Cypriot wine during a guided wine tasting in Larnaca.

• Visit the Cyprus Wine Museum in Limassol to find out more about the lengthy history of wine production in Cyprus.

• Meet the winemakers who run small-scale vineyards and family wineries around the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains and the Paphos district.